Several hundred people have taken part in tonight’s “United We Stand” walk to Brandywell Stadium in Derry in protest at attacks on visiting fans.
The demonstration was in response to the attack last month on Dundalk supporters and their bus following their FAI Cup win over Derry City.
It was the latest incident involving attacks on visiting fans.
Tonight’s walk took place 30 minutes before the kick-off of Derry City’s Airtricity Premier Division clash with Bohemians, which was attended by around 50 fans of the Dublin cub..
Led by a lone piper, it left from outside Mailey’s Bar on Lecky Road where fans of the Oriel Park club were et upon.
Club chairman, Philip O’Doherty, and directors joined local residents and fans in the 500 yard walk to the ground on Tuesday fortnight last.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood were among those who took part.
Mr McGuinness said the protest sent out a strong message to those carrying out the attacks.
He said: “The whole community was appalled at the attack on the Dundalk fans and their bus.
“It is wonderful to see such a turnout here tonight in solidarity with Derry City, the team and the Dundalk fans.
“We are sending a very powerful message that the people in this community are telling those young people involved in this latest disgraceful behaviour that it has to stop.
“And, of course, we who are leaders in the community are willing to engage with these young people, if they are willing to sit down and talk – and if they are not willing to sit down and talk then society has to deal with it, including the police and I don’t want to see any young person arrested, brought to court and given a conviction that could have a massive impact on the rest of their lives.
“They are going to have to wise up and they are going to have to recognise that Derry City is a proud club and the people of the Brandywell are a proud community and they want no active part in this criminality.”
Mr Eastwood described the turnout as a “great show of people power.”
He added: “This is about the residents of the Brandywell and Derry City fans standing together to show that this is a club about football, about sport and this tiny minority of young people, who are not even fans, are noting going to ruin it for the rest of us.”
Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney and Independent councillors on Derry City and Strabane Council, Gary Donnelly and Darren O’Reilly also participated.
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